Discuss political, economic situation; Rs70b allocated to provide relief to flood victims: PM
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Muslim LeagueN supremo Nawaz Sharif agreed to hold general elections on time, and not to accept any pressure. The meeting took place at the office of Nawaz’s son Hassan Nawaz.
Former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Salman Shehbaz were also present during the meeting.
Both the PML-N leaders discussed country’s political and economic situation. The premier also apprised his elder brother about situation arising after devastating floods and government’s relief operations.
The premier said in a conversation with Nawaz Sharif that at present all attention is focused on the rehabilitation of flood victims and improving the economy.
Shehbaz Sharif informed Nawaz Sharif about the consultation with Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto and Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
In the meeting, it was agreed that all allies are in favour of holding general elections on time, and it was also vowed that the incumbent government will not accept any pressure and will complete its constitutional term.
Nawaz Sharif urged the premier to take measures on the rising inflation in the country and said that steps should be taken to provide relief to the people, while discussions were also held regarding the complete rehabilitation of the flood victims.
“The Government should take steps to rope in rising inflation in the country and every positive step should be taken to provide relief to burdened masses,” Nawaz told younger brother.
“Shehbaz Sharif is making tireless efforts for the flood victims, and the government should speed up the efforts for rehabilitation,” the PML-N supremo added.
The premier was accompanied by former finance minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and his son Suleman Shahbaz.
Shehbaz Sharif also informed Nawaz Sharif about the consultations with Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto and Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
Talking to media persons, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the entire nation is united for relief and rehabilitation of flood-affected people and the government is determined to complete the rehabilitation phase at the earliest.
He said the government has allocated seventy billion rupees to provide relief to the flood-affected people. The Prime Minister said a cash assistance of Rs 25,000 is being provided to each flood-affected family in the country through the Benazir Income Support Programme.
He said the Federal Government, in collaboration with provinces, is providing food, tents, blankets, and other essential items to the flood victims.
Shehbaz Sharif said people are generously contributing to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund and all state institutions are working tirelessly for the relief and rehabilitation of flood victims.
He appreciated the role of the armed forces in helping the flood-hit people. He also thanked friendly countries and humanitarian organisations for their assistance to help the flood-affected people of Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said the government is focusing on relief and rehabilitation of flood affected people, but some political orphans want chaos in the country.
She said the government is fully committed to the rehabilitation of flood victims.
Answering a question regarding PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s demand for an early general election, she said the general election cannot be held on the wishes of an individual as it will be held according to schedule.
